I really appreciate all the advice.

Do any of you use a laptop to develop on? Maybe that is not the way to go. I am currently on a desktop I built in 2003. I need to switch systems with a faster video card, more ram, faster processor and updated software. Just purchased Adobe Design Studio CS3, but my current system can't handle it.

I don't want to build another machine even though it's the best way to go economically-I'm a nerd, but I'm a girl and I don't like my hands getting cut up

So what machines are you using? Laptop or desktop? And if you don't mind the specs so I can get an idea of where to go would be awesome.

Anita